Updated March 2026
State Requirements
Tennessee requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/15: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. SR-22 filing is required following DUI convictions, driving without insurance, accumulating excessive violations, at-fault accidents while uninsured, or license suspensions. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security mandates continuous SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of reinstatement, and any lapse triggers immediate suspension.
Cost Overview
High-risk drivers in Tennessee pay significantly more than those with clean records due to DUIs, violations, accidents, or SR-22 requirements. Average annual premiums for drivers requiring SR-22 range from $2,400 to $5,200 depending on violation type, with DUI offenders seeing the highest increases. Rates vary widely across Tennessee—urban areas like Nashville and Memphis tend to show higher premiums due to accident frequency and theft rates, while rural counties may offer modestly lower costs.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI convictions increase premiums 80–150%, while at-fault accidents or multiple tickets add 40–90%
- Time since violation: Premiums decrease gradually as violations age, with noticeable reductions after 3–5 years
- SR-22 filing requirement: Filing itself costs $15–$50, but the underlying violation drives the rate increase
- Location within Tennessee: Nashville and Memphis show higher rates due to higher accident and theft frequency; rural counties like Perry or Decatur may be 15–25% lower
- Credit-based insurance score: Tennessee allows carriers to use credit in underwriting, which disproportionately impacts high-risk drivers with financial instability
- Vehicle type and age: Older vehicles without comp/collision requirements lower total premiums, while financed newer vehicles require full coverage at elevated rates
Get non-owner SR-22 coverage without owning a vehicle
Compare carriers that offer non-owner policies with SR-22 filing — required for reinstatement in most states.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Tennessee's 25/50/15 minimums are often insufficient for serious accidents—medical bills and vehicle damage easily exceed these limits on I-40 or I-24 collisions.
SR-22 Filing
Certificate filed by your carrier proving you maintain continuous coverage following a DUI, suspension, or uninsured accident. Filing costs $15–$50, but your violation increases the underlying premium significantly.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays for your injuries and vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance. Tennessee has an uninsured driver rate near 20%, creating significant financial risk if you're hit by an uninsured motorist.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage like theft, hail, vandalism, or animal strikes. Tennessee's tornado and hail activity in Middle Tennessee makes comprehensive valuable for protecting your vehicle investment.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident regardless of fault. For high-risk drivers with older vehicles, collision may not be cost-effective if annual premiums exceed the vehicle's actual cash value.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for drivers with DUIs, suspensions, lapses, or poor credit who cannot secure coverage from standard carriers. Non-standard carriers in Tennessee include The General, Direct Auto, Safe Auto, and Acceptance Insurance.
